Loving Oliver

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ２６ Ｌｏｖｉｎｇ Ｔｈｅ Ｗａｙ Ｉ Ｔｒｕｔｈ...】

Chapter 26  Loving The Way I Truth...

I never knew life could be anywhere near as relaxed as it has been the past few months living with Sam. Summer's end was fast approaching and I was breathing easier with Sam then I had at my mom's place for the last few years of my life.

Sam's home was warm, and open, filled with life and Owen and I's constant banter.

I had started to look forward to our banter.

Owen was charming but I'd never let the guy know it.

Sam hadn't questioned me about what happened at dinner with Judy. He made sure I was safe and he always spent time with me or made sure I was doing something.

He never let me be alone with my thoughts for too long.

He honored our deal despite the big blow out with Judy. Despite him desperately wanting to know what went on with Ollie and I. I could tell he was worried for me by the way he clung to my side since everything had happened.

Whether it was spending time with him or working on my truck I seemed to keep going with no lulls to dwell on Judy's words.

But it was Sunday night and Sam and Owen and I had just finished grilling in the backyard. I managed to clear my plate only to begin on seconds when my mind drifted to the two men who seemed to always be here for me regardless.

And then one word came to my mind.

Unwavering.

And I knew that Sam had my back, that he wasn't going to push like mom.

Sam was a great listener and that was one of the things I adored about him. Despite his outward appearance of being unapproachable, hard, perhaps even rough, he was anything but.

I loved living with Sam. It was peaceful and refreshing.

~~~~~~~

I was nervous to speak with Aspen after the Judy shit show and I still couldn't think of an explanation that would've of justified that night.

But in a very Aspen matter she was kind and understanding. She was graceful and compassionate which was not something I frequently got from people aside from Blue and the guys and Ollie.

Well and now Sam and Owen.

But it was the end of my shift at Sam's place and I was finishing drying the cups while Aspen wiped down the bar.

She told me as soon as I arrived at work that she missed me and wanted to know how I was doing.

I nearly did a double take in her genuine concern for me and my wellbeing especially after the guilt had been growing ever since.

But I swallowed hard before nodding to her that I was doing better. She could see the guilt in my eyes despite my best efforts to hide it but instead of brushing it off she spoke on it.

"Parker, I want you to know that I don't need an explanation for the dinner. What happened wasn't your fault. It was something that happened to you and by a damn adult no less. You were the minor and she was the adult not to mention a parent. She shouldn't have gone after you like that. It was unacceptable. None of us blame you and you shouldn't either. I've told you before if you don't want to talk about something that's just fine. If you ever want to know that I'm here."

And then she worked the rest of the shift being her happy bubbly self as we worked well into the late afternoon.

I can't help but shake my head at the bouncy teenager full of sass and life. She was a really good friend.